A 26-year old Sisters man drowned while swimming in a lava tube behind Awbrey Falls on the Deschutes River southwest of Redmond Monday afternoon, deputies reported.

According to a news release issued by Sgt. Dan Swearingen and Deputy Jennifer Gaspard with the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office, Todd Justin Sampson swam behind the falls into a lava tube and did not resurface.His brother, Jeffrey Sampson, 18, tried to find his brother in the lava tube, but was deterred by the swift current.

The younger Sampson called 911 for help about 5:30 p.m., and deputies, search and rescue swift water and dive team personnel, and Bend Police officers responded.

Todd Sampson’s body was recovered in about 20 feet of water inside the lava tube shortly before 7:30 p.m., deputies said.

A year after losing Todd, we're still remembering him and the fun he brought to his family and friends. He would want every one to have fun each day and not be sad for him. He'd say "Wait 'til you see what heaven has in store for you! It's really sick!" We know, but we're missing some of the sunshine you brought to everyone.

(Posted on February 24, 2009, 8:48 pm Nichols Family)

Todd was a great friend and will forever be remembered! His smile could light up a room and his outgoing personality could always put me in a great mood. I have many memories of Tood and myself in the mountains of Idaho. I am dure his heaven is covered in snow. we love you D-Dot! Watch over us until we all see you again!
Terilyn (White) Stadther